After WEC 50, Jorgensen likely for next shot at Cruz; challenger likes his chances

LAS VEGAS – Had it not been for Joseph Benavidez’s stunning finishes of Rani Yahya and Miguel Torres, WEC bantamweight contender Scott Jorgensen (11-3 MMA, 7-2 WEC) may have already had his title shot.

But following Jorgensen’s “Fight of the Night” win over Brad Pickett at Wednesday’s WEC 50 event in Las Vegas, even the notoriously fence-riding General Manager of the WEC, Reed Harris, had to admit “Young Guns” was a pretty clear-cut option for champion Dominick Cruz’s next bout.

Pickett didn’t look bad either as the two went toe-to-toe for 15 minutes. Ultimately, it was the same determination and grit that has earned Jorgensen a growing legion of fans that also helped him secure a unanimous-decision victory.

Shockingly, though the contest sometimes looked like a 135-pound version of a “Rocky” movie, Jorgensen believes he could have somehow turned in a better performance.

“I apologized to Sean as soon as he stepped into the cage for it not being exciting enough,” Jorgensen said. “Ultimately, I just go out there and try to fight. I leave my heart in that cage, and it’s just something that comes with me. If you put me in the cage, I’m going to fight until I’m dead.”

While Jorgensen has often relied on his top-notch wrestling skills to bring him to victory in previous bouts, it was his boxing that separated him from Pickett in the WEC 50 bout. Jorgensen said his performance was dictated by Pickett’s approach.

“I will, unfortunately, a lot of times let myself get hit, but by no means did I feel in danger,” Jorgensen said. “It’s always in my gameplan to take the fight and change the direction of what’s going on.

“If you want to stand, I’ll take you to the ground. If you want to take it to the ground, I’ll keep you standing. It was just a good fight.”

With the win over Pickett – and coupled with his victories over Antonio Banuelos, Chad George, Takeya Mizugaki and Noah Thomas – Jorgensen is now focused on bantamweight champion Cruz, who defended his title at WEC 50.

While Cruz’s speed, cardio and awkward striking attack have him landing on some top pound-for-pound lists, Jorgensen is brimming with confidence and says he’ll be ready if the WEC brass calls his number next.

“I honestly think I’m a better striker than Dominick,” Jorgensen said. “He just moves at a great rate and creates different angles. My wrestling is better than his. If I want to take someone down, I will. I’ll find a way. If he wants to stop it, I’ve got other tricks in my bag.

“For me, it would be a great fight. I feel stronger in every area, and I’ll bring that belt back.”

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